EMTs, CNAs lead list of America's most underpaid jobs

Linda Hodge-McKinney, a paramedic with Indianapolis EMS, has been kicked, punched, spit on and has had her hair ripped out on the job. Indianapolis EMS now provides training for their employees to deescalate, remove themselves from these situations.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar

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Indianapolis EMS paramedic Linda Hodge-McKinney and EMT Ryan Marcoux talk about the different supplies and tools they carry on their ambulance on Friday, March 31, 2017.(Photo: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)Buy Photo

Those working to save lives on a daily basis are the most underpaid workers in America.

Emergency medical technicians have earned the top spot on a list of the 25 most underpaid jobs in America, compiled by the employment website Glasssdoor.

The site used pay data provided anonymously and voluntarily to its Know Your Worth salary calculator tool. That salary data was then compared against current market values to determine potential salary growth.

EMTs have the potential to earn nearly 22 percent more than they are now. The current median base salary for an EMT is $27,636. Current market value, or what base salaries are being offered now, sits at $35,407.